PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Orange junior forward Wes Johnson was chosen as the first BIG EAST Conference Player of the Week for the 2009-10 season on Monday, Nov. 23. Johnson was named the MVP of the 2K Sports Classic benefitting Coaches vs. Cancer after averaging 21.0 points and 9.5 rebounds in victories against nationally-ranked Cal and North Carolina last week.
Johnson posted his first double-double of the year with 17 points and 11 rebounds versus the Golden Bears in the semifinals. The following night, he registered a career-best 25 points and eight rebounds against North Carolina to help spur the Orange to the tournament championship.
With the two victories, the Orange improved to 4-0 and is ranked 10th in the most recent Associated Press national poll. Syracuse also climbed 15 spots in the ESPN/USA Today rankings. The Orange checks in at No. 9 this week after listing 24th last week.